Sk8man

x2 as far as storage details making the difference. If kept in a place that is cool and free of direct sunlight mono can last for years despite all the OCD stuff done by many folks such as changing all their line every season. If the rods are stored on the boat all bets are off. It makes sense for charter folks toi change more frequently than the occasional use fisherman etc. but for normal use just cutting off a few feet if any abrasions are felt works fine. A ot of the fears about weakened line just relating to age itself are unfounded. It is the life history of storage that is important. If the line bulk spool or not was sitting in the store window prior to sale you can be screwed anyway even if it was only there for weeks during the summer.

The TD isn't a "replacement" for the Fishawk X series but it can be a very useful tool. One of the uses is attaching it to your downrigger and gaining an estimate at least of the temperature profile in the water column and this is especially useful during the late Spring and early Summer when the thermocline is setting up or is already setup so that you can set your lines accordingly for the target species of interest more effectively. It is beneficial to carry a paper and pen with you to write down the temps at the intervals and then determine the band where the greatest variance in temperature is.The profile information can also be very useful if you use Seth Greens on the Finger Lakes. Another use is in determining an estimate of where your junk lines are actually running (e.g. leadcore and copper etc.). You will often be surprised at the answer. The TD at least gives you some information to work with which is certainly better than nothing. Paul and I have each mentioned the importance or value of experience in learning to fish without devices and when all things are considered the the actual in-depth fishing experience trumps the reliance on the electronics and when put together with the devices is very powerful.

Might want to consider one of the older OMC brackets as they are the sturdiest around and adjustable in the event that you ever get a different kicker etc. Maybe locate it on the starboard side as I recall there is a swim ladder on the port.

Fishing Fool - Don't get too whigged out about the comments as folks (including myself) are used to doing things in a certain way and when they have good results they stick with the method. You are doing something that is relatively uncommon so that gives rise to all sorts of "cautionary" feedback. Does that mean you shouldn't try it to satisfy your curiosity N0! Using the TD to get an estimate of how deep you are getting is also a good idea. Good luck with the experiment and it will be interesting to hear how you make out

I'll be there for some stuff Harv

Good summation

After fishing more than 60 years without one I can tell you that a Fishawk is not essential to catching fish. It is however very desirable to have to be able to more efficiently fish for trout and salmon while trolling. I bought the X4D a couple years ago and it allows you to determine roughly where your lure is running, how fast in comparison with the surface speed of your boat. From a temperature standpoint it is most useful when the thermocline sets up, and when water temperature inversions (e.g. lake flips) take shape. It also helps in the early Spring in seeking out the minor changes in water temperature changes near shoreline. Whether it is worth the money to you in particular depends on what if anything needs to be sacrificed to buy one. It is a quality product with very good technical support from a reputable company. Some of my fishing friends and other LOU members consider it their most valuable tool in their fishing arsenal, but it is just that a fishing tool; and it is most valuable in conjunction with other items such as trolling experience, available set-ups, and attention to detail while fishing. If you have a good fishfinder already it is a valuable addition....some folks feel that they would even give up their fish finder before their Fishawk. I consider them of equal value but both less valuable than intense fishing experience over time while incorporating what has been learned in the process.

Not great the dinks are the main issue....loaded with them... unless you want something for the goldfish bowl

I don't know whether there will be any ice after this wind but we got several while fishing for perch in 27-29 ft of water on small jigs and spikes and waxies last week. The Branchport section has been open water pretty much all along.